Album Information:

About Steppenwolf:

Steppenwolf was a Canadian-American rock band that was formed in 1967 in Los Angeles, California. The band was known for their hard-driving rock songs and blues-based sound, and they became one of the most iconic and influential bands of the late 1960s and early 1970s.

The original members of the band were John Kay (lead vocals, guitar, harmonica), Michael Monarch (guitar), Goldy McJohn (keyboards), Rushton Moreve (bass), and Jerry Edmonton (drums). The band's name was inspired by the Herman Hesse novel 'Steppenwolf,' which was popular with the counterculture movement of the time.

Steppenwolf's self-titled debut album was released in 1968, and it featured the hit single 'Born To Be Wild.' The song's iconic opening line, 'Get your motor running, head out on the highway,' became synonymous with the rebellious spirit of the era. The band scored another hit with 'Magic Carpet Ride,' which featured a psychedelic sound and a catchy hook.

Throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s, Steppenwolf released a string of successful albums, including 'The Second,' 'At Your Birthday Party,' and 'Monster.' They continued to mix hard rock with blues and psychedelic influences, and their music often featured socially conscious lyrics that spoke to the counterculture and anti-war movements of the time.

Steppenwolf's popularity began to wane in the mid-1970s, and the band went through several line-up changes in the following years. John Kay continued to front the band, and they released several albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s. In 2018, the band celebrated their 50th anniversary with a tour and a new album, 'Steppenwolf at 50.'

Overall, Steppenwolf's hard-driving sound and socially conscious lyrics made them a prominent figure in the counterculture movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Their music continues to be celebrated and influential today, and they remain a beloved band from one of the most pivotal eras in music history.

About the album Steppenwolf:

The album Steppenwolf by the band of the same name is a classic of rock music history. Released in 1968, it consists of ten tracks that showcase the band's energetic and rebellious sound.

The album kicks off with 'Sookie Sookie', a fast-paced track that features driving guitar riffs and a catchy chorus. It sets the tone for the rest of the album, which is characterized by heavy riffs, bluesy influences, and powerful vocals.

One of the standout tracks on the album is 'Born to be Wild', which became an anthem for rebellious youth at the time. The song's iconic opening lines, 'Get your motor runnin' / Head out on the highway', perfectly capture the sense of freedom and adventure that defined the counterculture movement of the late 1960s. The song's heavy riffs and driving beat have made it a classic of rock music history.

Other standout tracks on the album include 'The Pusher', a gritty, bluesy track that tells the story of a drug dealer, and 'Berry Rides Again', a lively instrumental that showcases the band's instrumental prowess.

One of the album's most interesting tracks is 'The Ostrich', a tongue-in-cheek song that pokes fun at the trendy dance crazes of the time. The song features a repetitive bassline and silly lyrics that make it one of the album's most lighthearted moments.

Overall, Steppenwolf is an album that captures the spirit of its era. Its powerful riffs, rebellious lyrics, and confident vocals make it a classic of rock music history that has stood the test of time.

Members:

Steppenwolf was formed in Los Angeles in 1967 and became one of the most iconic rock bands of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The band consisted of six key members over the years, including:

1. John Kay (vocals, guitar): Born Joachim Fritz Krauledat in East Prussia (now part of Poland) in 1944, Kay fled with his mother to West Germany during World War II. He moved to Canada when he was a teenager, where he started playing guitar and singing in coffeehouses. He formed Steppenwolf in 1967 and became the band's frontman, known for his distinctive growling vocals and bluesy guitar work. Kay remained with Steppenwolf through its various lineup changes until the band disbanded in 1976.

2. Jerry Edmonton (drums): Born Gerrick Pas in the Netherlands in 1946, Edmonton moved to Canada as a child and met Kay when they were both playing in different bands in Toronto. He joined Steppenwolf as its drummer and co-wrote many of the band's most popular songs, including 'Born to Be Wild' and 'Magic Carpet Ride.' Edmonton was also a talented keyboardist and played that instrument on several Steppenwolf tracks. He died in a car accident in 1993.

3. Goldy McJohn (keyboards): Born John Raymond Goadsby in Canada in 1945, McJohn was a classically trained pianist who joined Steppenwolf in 1967. His distinctive Hammond organ sound became a signature element of the band's sound, particularly on songs like 'The Pusher' and 'Rock Me.' McJohn left Steppenwolf in 1974 and played with various other bands over the years before his death in 2017.

4. Michael Monarch (guitar): Born Michael Philip Monarch in California in 1950, Monarch was a teenage guitar prodigy who joined Steppenwolf in 1967. He co-wrote several of the band's early hits and was known for his fiery, bluesy guitar solos. Monarch left the band in 1969 and played with several other bands, including Detective and World Classic Rockers.

5. Nick St. Nicholas (bass): Born Klaus Karl Kassbaum in Germany in 1943, St. Nicholas was a veteran of the Toronto music scene when he joined Steppenwolf in 1968. He played bass and sang backup vocals on many of the band's most famous songs, including 'Born to Be Wild' and 'Magic Carpet Ride.' St. Nicholas left Steppenwolf in 1970 and later played with several other bands, including World Classic Rockers and The Platters.

6. Larry Byrom (guitar): Born in Alabama in 1948, Byrom joined Steppenwolf in 1972 as a replacement for Michael Monarch. He played guitar on several of the band's later albums, including Slow Flux and Hour of the Wolf. Byrom left the band in 1979 and later played with several other bands, including The Razors and Black Oak Arkansas.

Track List for Steppenwolf:

Sure! Here are all the tracks in the album Steppenwolf by the artist Steppenwolf, in the order they appear on the album:

1. Sookie, Sookie - 3:11
This is a cover of the song originally written by Don Covay, and it's a fast-paced, high-energy rock song with a prominent guitar riff and powerful vocals.

2. Everybody's Next One - 2:52
This track features a bluesy guitar intro and a catchy chorus, with lyrics that suggest the band is ready to take on the world.

3. Berry Rides Again - 2:44
This instrumental track showcases the band's impressive musicianship, with a funky bass line and a driving drum beat.

4. Hoochie Coochie Man - 5:07
Another cover, this time of the classic blues song by Muddy Waters. Steppenwolf puts their own spin on the track, with a heavy guitar sound and a raw, emotional vocal performance.

5. Born to be Wild - 3:30
Arguably the band's most famous song, 'Born to be Wild' is a classic rock anthem that celebrates the freedom of the open road. With its iconic guitar riff and unforgettable opening lyrics ('Get your motor runnin', head out on the highway...'), it's a song that still resonates with rock fans today.

6. Your Wall's Too High - 5:40
This track starts off slow and spacey, with ethereal guitar sounds and a moody vocal delivery. But as it builds to its climax, it becomes an epic rock song with a powerful message about breaking down barriers.

7. Desperation - 5:45
With its ominous guitar riffs and haunting lyrics ('Desperation's the tender trap'), this track has a darker vibe than some of the album's other songs. But it's still a showcase for the band's skills, with a tight rhythm section and a searing guitar solo.

8. The Pusher - 5:49
Another cover, this time of a song by Hoyt Axton. With its anti-drug message and gritty, bluesy sound, 'The Pusher' is a standout track on the album. It builds to a powerful, cathartic climax, with John Kay's vocals soaring over the driving beat.

9. A Girl I Knew - 2:39
This is a rare softer moment on the album, with a gentle acoustic guitar and wistful lyrics about lost love.

10. Take What You Need - 3:28
Closing out the album with a bang, 'Take What You Need' is a fast-paced rocker that showcases the band's energy and exuberance. With catchy lyrics and a sing-along chorus, it's a fitting end to a classic rock album.

Discography for Steppenwolf:

Here is the complete discography for Steppenwolf in chronological order, including all albums, all singles, and all other releases with their respective release dates:

Albums:
1. Steppenwolf (1968)
2. The Second (1968)
3. At Your Birthday Party (1969)
4. Monster (1969)
5. Steppenwolf 7 (1970)
6. For Ladies Only (1971)
7. Slow Flux (1974)
8. Hour of the Wolf (1975)
9. Skullduggery (1976)
10. Live (1979)
11. Wolftracks (1982)
12. Paradox (1984)
13. Rock & Roll Rebels (1987)
14. Rise and Shine (1990)

Singles:
1. 'Sookie Sookie' (1968)
2. 'Born to be Wild' (1968)
3. 'Magic Carpet Ride' (1968)
4. 'Rock Me' (1969)
5. 'It's Never Too Late' (1969)
6. 'Move Over' (1969)
7. 'Hey Lawdy Mama' (1970)
8. 'Who Needs Ya' (1970)
9. 'Snowblind Friend' (1971)
10. 'Ride With Me' (1971)
11. 'For Ladies Only' (1971)
12. 'Straight Shootin' Woman' (1972)
13. 'Caroline (Are You Ready for the Outlaw World)' (1972)
14. 'Straight Life' (1973)
15. 'Smokey Factory Blues' (1974)
16. 'Hold Your Head Up' (1976)
17. 'Sign on the Line' (1976)
18. 'Give Me News I Can Use' (1982)
19. 'Rock & Roll War' (1987)

Other Releases:
1. Early Steppenwolf (1969)
2. 16 Greatest Hits (1973)
3. Born to be Wild: A Retrospective (1991)
4. The Best of Steppenwolf (1999)